L8 - Female Gonads

Ovaries

Located in dorsal abdomen, caudal to kidneys.

Oogenesis

Process of egg cell development in ovaries.

Reproductive Hormones

Hormones produced by ovaries for reproduction.

Corpus Luteum

Structure formed post-ovulation, secretes progesterone.

Tertiary Follicle

Mature follicle ready for ovulation.

Follicle Development

Stages: Primordial, Primary, Secondary, Tertiary.

Theca Cells

Cells involved in hormone production in ovaries.

Granulosa Cells

Support cells in ovarian follicles, secrete hormones.

Progesterone

Hormone that maintains pregnancy and regulates menstrual cycle.

Oestradiol

Main estrogen hormone, regulates female reproductive system.

Inhibin

Peptide hormone that inhibits FSH secretion.

Follicular Phase

Pre-ovulation phase characterized by follicle growth.

Luteal Phase

Post-ovulation phase dominated by corpus luteum.

LH (Luteinizing Hormone)

Hormone that triggers ovulation and corpus luteum formation.

FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone)

Stimulates follicle growth and hormone production.

Endometrium

Uterine lining that thickens under estrogen influence.

Secondary Sexual Characteristics

Physical traits developed due to sex hormones.

Surgical Approach for Spaying

Ovariohysterectomy via ventral midline or flank incision.

Aromatase

Enzyme converting androgens to estrogens.

Acetate to Progesterone Pathway

Conversion pathway from acetate to progesterone.

Hormonal Regulation of Ovaries

Balance of progesterone and estrogen during cycles.